No problem I would love to help...

Running a kids team...

I love my kids and I love helping out. It did make me chuckle, as I did the final preparation for the first training of the season for my daughters age group, when I was sat re-taping the damaged hockey sticks, organising the cones and washing the kit... some might see this as a job.

Running a club with volunteers is a huge undertaking. I look after just one team and I need to ensure the DBS checks are in place, we have necessary first aiders for training and safeguarding training is done and in place.

I have worked for and with many organisations that rely heavily on volunteers and supported this hockey team for 3 seasons now - but I still felt that little pang of concern the week before as I checked on whether the other volunteer coaches would come along. Had enough groundwork been laid for new volunteers? Had they enjoyed helping last season?

The final check message went out Monday evening ready for the following Sunday. Had the hard work of other parents and myself paid off, would the coaches, who had committed to help their and other kids by passing on knowledge and skills, actually turn up?

The first message, great can't wait to get back in to training see you Sunday, the next yes I'll be there, yes, yes, can't make it this week family event, be there the week after. All told 9 volunteers to support one Under 8 Hockey team would turn up on a weekend with their kids to help over 60 children learn team and individual skills. Overall it couldn't have been better, we had fun, we got back into the swing of things and the kids were laughing and building new friendships.

Some simple drivers to using and gaining more volunteers:

• Are people motivated by the cause?

• Do they have a reason that links them, to volunteering (in this case are their kids involved)?

• Does it feel like unmanageable extra work?

• Is the time commitment equal to the reward they feel for volunteering?

• Do they feel appreciated and supported?

Yes there is far more to it than this but having a small group of motivated and dedicated volunteers supporting your cause will always be more effective than losing that base of support.

This basis creates a community ecosystem, the kids are learning new skills which is great. They are also seeing the adults model generosity, teamwork and reliability - supporting a cause or organisation goes far beyond the day it feeds into your children's future personality as well.